Ooty

Top 5 Hill Stations in Tamilnadu

Ooty

When in need of a hustle free break, head towards the green ensconced trails of Ooty located in Tamilnadu, north of Coimbatore. It is one of the south India’s best and the most famous hill stations. The journey to Ooty is romantic climbing the hills as you visualize the stunning scenic beauty and has the privilege of being accompanied by the welcoming sound of birds and the freshness of air. It’s a year round destination and the place has everything to charm you. It is located in the Blue Mountains (Nilgiri hills) of the Western Ghats and popularly known as the “Queen of hill stations”. The Botanical garden and Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary will drive you to save and safeguard nature. For showcasing the rich heritage of flora, the annual flower show is organized every year during the month of May at the Botanical garden. It is one of the spectacular events of the year. The beautifully enveloped silence of the Dottabetta peak will give you a sense of satisfaction. The interesting history of ancient India and arts & culture is preserved in the Government Museum which paves a way for learning and fun as well. The weather in Ooty is always cloudy, raining or freezing cold. The weather, high altitude, natural exuberance, and intoxicatingly fresh air make this place a perfect destination for spending holidays during summers.

Doddabetta

It’s the highest peak of Nilgris located 2600 meters above the sea level. The thrilling experience to reach the peak takes you through few hairpin bends. The telescope house at the top helps you explore the scenic beauty of the surroundings. Be early before the mist could hide the scenes from your eyes.

Visiting hours : 7 AM – 6 PM

Location : 10 Kms from Ooty

Best time to visit Ooty

April – June

September – November.

Botanical Garden

A place to explore all the living natural fauna of Nilgris with a variety of flowers, trees, plants, shrubs, ferns, grass carpet, orchids and nurseries. There is also a paper bark tree, the monkey puzzle tree and a fossilized tree trunk which is believed to be around 20 million years old. In fact, this garden is a home for around 650 species of plants and trees. The garden is too huge but it is beautiful and well maintained.

Visiting hours : 7 AM – 6 PM , All days of the week

Entrance fee : Rs 10 for children

Rs 20 for adults

Ooty Lake

It’s a pleasing body of water surrounded by beautiful trees. At the far end is the Boat House, where all kinds of boats are available for hiring. If boating, sun bathe and lazing around is what you are looking for, and then this lake is the perfect spot for you.

Visiting hours : 9 AM – 6 PM , functions all days of the week

Entry fee : Rs 10 per person

Boat fare : Rs 160 per 2 seater pedal boat for 30 minutes boating

Rs 180 per 2 seater row boat for 30 minutes boating

Rs 200 per 4 seater pedal boat for 30 minutes boating

Rs 450 per 8 seater motorboat for 20 minutes boating

Government Museum

It’s a place filled with arts, crafts and rare tribal objects to learn and have fun. (I am sending you books on Ooty, you can read more about the Museum and add more contents to it)

Visiting hours: 10.00 AM – 5.00 PM

Closed on Friday, second Saturday and National Holidays.

Pykara Waterfall

The soft and elegant flow of water is a visual delight. It’s a perfect spot for photography and you will be enamored with its serenity. (need to add more contents)

Time for boat ride: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm ; All days of the week

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (A day excursion from Ooty)

It is the first sanctuary of South India. The living flora and fauna of Nilgris can be spotted here. Spindly trees, tigers, panthers, wild boars, crocodiles, elephants and lots more. The sanctuary also holds other scenic spots like Moyar Waterfalls, Ombetta swamp, Theppakad elephant camp etc.. The birds listed in this sanctuary include Peacock-our National bird, Grey Jungle Fowl, Red Spur Fowl, Grey Partridge Quails, The Magpie-robin, Spotted Babbler, Small Green Barbet, Green Pigeons, Brown Dove, Malabar Grey Hornbill, King Vulture.

Season : December – June

Visiting Hours : 9.00 AM – 6.00 PM; All days of the week

Distance : From Ooty Via Kalhatty – 36 Kms

From Ooty Via. Gudulur – 67 Kms

From Mysore – 91 Kms

Nearest railway station – Udakamandalam

Nearest airport – Coimbatore

St.Stephen’s Church

The oldest church of Nilgris which is built during 1820 by the massive main beam and other timber taken from Tipu Sultan’s palace. It has beautiful stained glass windows and the gravestones of the English colonists which give a real snapshot of their lives. The most significant feature of the St. Stephen’s Church, Ooty is the presence of the Clock Tower which marches forth of time but shows men the right time. There are nine tubular bells in the Church rings with the devotee’s prayer.